CBCT and MSEO

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

This innovative medical imaging technique provides endodontists with 3-D views of the patient and in certain cases, greatly enhances the endodontist’s ability to diagnose, evaluate, treat and care for patients.

As you can see in the video below, during a CBCT scan, the machine rotates around the patient, capturing images using a cone-shaped X-ray beam. These images are used to construct a 3-D representation of the patient’s teeth, oral and maxillofacial region (mouth, jaw, and neck), and ears, nose, and throat.

In 2015, the AAE and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology issued a revised joint position statement on the use of CBCT in endodontics. The joint statement takes into account scientific literature from the past five years and the research that indicates the effectiveness of 3-D imaging for endodontic diagnosis and treatment. The statement provides 11 specific recommendations and supporting evidence for when CBCT should be considered, and emphasizes that CBCT should not be used routinely for endodontic diagnosis or screening in the absence of clinical symptoms. Consistent with the principles of ALARA – keeping patient radiation doses “as low as reasonably achievable” – the statement notes that the patient’s history and clinical examination must justify the use of CBCT.

Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin (MSEO)

AAE’s Position Statement is intended to define and outline MSEO, delier guidlines for its diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It provides a standard for all dental and medical practitioners in managing patients with this condition.

The position statement discusses incidence and recognition, presentation and definitions, the diagnosis of MSEO.

The discussion about the diagnosis includes the dental and sinonasal history and symptoms, radiographic examination, periapical osteoperiostitis (PAO), periapical mucositis (PAM), sinus obstruction from MSEO, clinical examination, treatment of MSEO.